Posts Tagged ‘Corrosion’

Car batteries will last for years. But it is a fact that throughout your vehicle's life cycle, old batteries will need to be replaced. It can be drained with the frequent use of electrical accessories and lighting for the vehicle. Many car batteries can expire without notice. That's why it's important to be pro-active in replacing the car battery regularly. This simple step can help ensure your road safety and make car maintenance less of a hassle for you and your family.

Of course, it is also important to know how to maintain the car battery in tip-top shape once you had it changed. There are many considerations to look into in selecting a battery, replacing it, and maintaining its condition. This article will provide you with the basic information:

Right Size and Type

When the time comes for you to replace the old battery, make sure that the get a new one with the right size and type for your car. Go through the car manual first or ask a mechanic before buying the replacement.

Durability in Extreme Weather Conditions

It is also important to note that car batteries are designed differently. Some can withstand extreme weather conditions during wintertime. Meanwhile, certain products are best used in warmer climates only. Heat is also a problem though. High temperatures increase plate corrosion and make the electrolytes vaporize faster.

Car Battery Life

Try to find out the expected battery life of the product before making the purchase. You cannot do without car batteries so choose the best one possible. Be conscious of your consumption and use energy wisely. Don't be too stingy though because the electrolytes inside the battery will drain away over time even when it is idle.

Car Maintenance

Majority of batteries today are maintenance-free. There's no need to refill the electrolyte regularly. Certain manufacturers right now are promoting absorbent glass mat (AGM) because they believe this to be safer. However, regular car batteries perform just as well. Overall, there's no need to continuously check your battery because of the technology available.

Recycling Tips

If you're replacing your car battery, then you obviously need a dispose of the old one. Try to bring the used battery to the manufacturer for recycling. Some even provide you with a discount for its return. Whether or not an incentive is given though, it is a good idea to bring the battery where it can be recycled. It will help lessen the toxicity in the environment.

A car battery has an average life of 5 years depending on their quality as well as warranty. It depends on the conditions that the battery is running on. There are various factors that determines how long to recharge a car battery. If your car battery last longer than the average 5 years, it only means that you are taking good care of your car battery.

A car battery would not last long due to poor maintenance, too much cold temperature, leaving the car idle for long periods, car parts which are faulty, battery cables and posts are not functioning well, use of battery for other purposes and car parts . Although one must take note that not all batteries can be restored or recharged. It depends. If your car is dead, it should be replaced but if a car battery is just low on power it can still be recharged.

Here are some steps on how you may be able to know how long to recharge car battery. 1) Try to inspect your car battery for any damage. 2) Check the cables attached to the car battery, see whether they are corroded or not. If they show signs of corrosion, unloosen the clamps and clean with stiff brush. If they are only loosen then try to tighten them.

A battery needs a battery charger and an alternator. An alternator will help in restoring enough charge to the battery which will allow internal cold cranking amps to start the battery. The battery charger will determine how long it will take to recharge a car battery. The lower the amp the longer wit will take for a battery to be recharged as well as how dead the battery is.

How long to recharge car battery? It all depends on the situation, a few factors and conditions.

A car’s battery is under very much stress in modern vehicles. It’s true that the engineering of more powerful batteries evolved, but more and more electrical systems and devices are added to a car. Besides the heavier load on them, other circumstances can affect your battery’s performance. Things such excessive heat, which can lead to the evaporation of the battery fluid (you should remember that operating your car’s battery in conditions of extreme heat is more damaging than running it in extreme cold), or overcharging can cause serious problems to its functioning.

There are two ratings on car battery: CCA and RC. CCA means Cold Cranking Amps and RC means Reserve Capacity. When you replace it, be sure to buy one with the same properties as the initial one. Usually, these ratings are mentioned on the battery sticker.

There are a series of tips you should know in order to take good care of your car battery. First of all, remember to maintain your engine properly. Because an engine in good shape will start easily, it will induce less stress on the battery at startup.

Regularly check your battery with the aid of a specialized load test. Its results will tell you if you need to replace it or not.

Because dirt and corrosion of the battery’s terminals can lead to its premature wear, make sure these contacts are clean. Use an old toothbrush or a bristle brush to clear the terminals. Use a combination of baking soda and water to clean them effectively.

Remember to check the water level every few months. When needed (if the water level is below the refill hole), add distilled water (under no circumstance use tap water, as it will corrode the battery’s terminals).

If the energy level of your car’s battery is low, you can boost it. It is a relatively easy procedure, but if not done properly, it can cause a lot of damage to you and your car.

Connect the (+) clamps of the new and the old battery.

After that, connect the (-) clamp to the negative terminal of the good battery, while connecting the other negative clamp to the car frame or a grounded metal element (you can use the engine block) on the vehicle with the dead battery. Remember; do not connect the final clap to the dead battery’s negative terminal.

Leave the cables attached this way for a couple of minutes without starting the engine. Do not crank the motor more than 10 seconds. After the engine of the car with the dead battery has started, remove the clamps in the exact reverse order. It is best not to let either of the clamps touch each other as this will cause sparks.

When working with the electrical systems of your car, wear protective elements (goggles and isolating gloves). Besides the high electricity levels a car battery produces, it has hazardous acids inside as well as other gases which can cause serious injuries.